Struggling With Sin

"Struggling with sin" is a phrase that is used rather lightly in many religious circles. What does it mean to "struggle" with something? The word "struggle" means to "fight against"; it means to "strive not to give in". It does not mean or imply that the one who is struggling is on the losing side of the struggle. And yet, many "Christians" when they say that they are struggling with sin they mean that they are committing sin(s) even while trying not to. They mean that they have struggled and then they were defeated by sin. And so perhaps the word "defeated" rather than "struggling" more accurately describes such people. Sadly, many people accept such "struggling" (actually defeat) as a way of life. They have not truly struggled so hard that they have suffered any great deal striving with all their might not to give in to temptations (Heb. 12:4). An example would be appropriate here. I have spoken with many young men who say that they "struggle with" lust. Actually, they mean that they fight against it a little, but end up giving in to their lusts. They claim that they are trying not to sin. (See the article, "I Try".) But in reality they watch commercials that promotes lust; they watch movies and television programs that encourages lust; and they listen to music that contains all sorts of sexual lyrics. Can they actually say that they are trying to overcome lust? Will God believe them when they say that they tried? Make every effort to enter the kingdom of heaven through the narrow door, Jesus says, because many will simply try but not be able to (Luke 13:24). We are not saying that a Christian will have no struggles with temptation. We are saying that when a Christian is tempted, he must make sure that he is fully submitted to God and resist the temptation; the devil will then flee (James 4:7). For we are promised that not temptation will be too difficult for us because God himself will make a way for us to stand up under every temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). We may suffer or struggle and it may be difficult, but we can overcome. Even Jesus suffered when he was tempted (Heb. 2:18). Remember the Garden of Gethsemane! But don't believe the lie that because you struggle you are in sin. It is not true. Struggling against sin does not mean that you are displeasing God. Struggling against sin is one of the main evidences that you hate sin. So, struggle and be victorious through the glorious power of our great and mighty God. A wholehearted Christian is someone who struggles against sin and then gains the victory through Christ who gives him strength. Christians do struggle with sin...and then get the victory through faith. The "struggle" of the Christian is not a vicious cycle of try-fail, try-fail, try-fail,... No, the struggle of the Christian echoes the sorrowful, yet rejoicing cries of the Apostle Paul, "we faced trials far beyond our ability to endure" (2 Cor. 1:8); "God has delivered us and will continue to deliver us" (2 Cor. 1:10). "Now thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor 2:14). Perhaps you are convicted by God. Perhaps there is sin in your life that you cannot seem to give up. Do not lose hope. (See the article, "If Any Man Sin".) Rather, repent and get rid of everything that hinders you (Heb. 12:1-2). Truly submit to God. Resist the devil and do not give your temptations a foothold. (Remember the earlier example about lust.)